Automatically-closing wastebasket



Nov. 16 1926. 1,606,935l

V. M. HAAS AUTOMATICALLY CLOSING WSTEBASKET Original Filed Sept. 27, 1924 Patented N ci, $25.

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VNCENT if. EAA-S, OF HDERSTOVN, E'EN FRANK C. F TAltIAQUA, PENNSYL'V'ANA.

AUTOIUATICALLYmCLG Application filer- This invention relates to improvements in wastebaslets, and has for a particular object thereof the provision of a fire-proof wastebaslret.

n important object of the invention is to provide a wastebaslret which, in addition j lire-proof, operates to immediately e-:tingui a any fires which may occur in the contents of the basket.

A. further object of the invention is to provide a device of this character which may be very cheaply produced so that the cost of the baslret may not be excessive- A still further obfect of the invention is 15 to provide a device of this character having igntly fitting spring-closed lid, and means for holoing the lid in open posit-.ion and in event of a fire wtliin the wastebaslret to per mit the lid to close.

These and other objects l attain by the construction shown in the accompanying drawing, wher in for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, and wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wastebasket constructed in accordance with my invention Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view showing the lid in closed position in dotted lines;

Referring now more particularly to the drawing, the numeral indicates a receptacle formed of fire-proof material and 11 the lid thereof. This lid is attached to the receptacle at one side by the spring hinge 12, the spring of which constantly urges the lid to closed position. Secured to the lid attached leaf 13 of the spring and preferably integrally, as disclosed, is a lug 1li which, when the lid is disposed in the vertical or open position, extends downwardly along the wall of the receptacle 10. The free end of this lug has formed therein a pair of openings 15 which horizontally align when the lid is in open position with an opening 16 45 formed in the wall of the receptacle 10.

To the bottom 17 of the receptacle 10 in spaced relation to the side walls thereof is secured a pair of eyes or other suitable guides 18, and at the opposite side of the receptacle from the hinge 12 the inner wall of vthe receptacle is provided with an inwardly extending attaching medium 19. This attaching medium preferably consists of a bolt 2O having its head 21 arranged upon the exterior of the receptacle 10 and its f ilk-, Serial No. 740,330.

SENS( WASTEBASKET .cnewed March 30, 1926.

neaded shank directed through the wall iereof. Upon the bolt within the receptacle a loclr nut 22 is disposed.

An the use of the device, a thread of suflistrength to resist the tension applied thereto by the spring 23 of the hinge 12 is attached through the openings 15 of the lug 14. r1`his thread is then passedthrough the wall of the receptacle at the opening 16 and led downwardly through the eyes 18, the free end thereof being brought up and secured to the element 19 by winding the Vthread thereabout. Means such as a small bracket 24: are preferably provided for holding the thread in spaced relation to the Wall of the receptacle adjacent the opening 16, and in attaching` the free end of the thread care is preferably taken that this attachmentis at a point spaced from the wall so that. cnce the eyes 18 support the thread in spaced lation to the bottom, the thread does not i against the inner wall of the receptacle it any point. rThel thread serves to hold the lid 11 normally in open position. If, however, a flame is brought into contactwith the thread to sever it, the lid instantly closes, smothering this flame, and therefore if refuse contained Within the basket or receptacle 10 is ignited for any reason, the lid will close to prevent danger of fire spreading to other articles of furniture and smother the lire contained within the basket. 1t will be obvious that the thread being held in spaced relation to the walls permits the flame to have more ready access thereto.

1t will also be obvious that the construei tion hereinbefore illustrated is capable of considerable range of change and modification without in any manner departing from the spirit of my invention, and I do not limit myself to such specific structure as hereinbefore set forth except as hereinafter claimed.

l clairnz* 1. In combination, a receptacle, a lid therefor, a hinge connecting the lid andreceptacle and normally urging the lid to closed position, the lid having projecting therefrom at the hinge thereof a lug, and a combustible flexible element secured to th(` free end of said lug and extending through an opening formed in the side wall of the receptacle and secured to the receptacle in spaced relation to the wall thereof.

2. In combination, a receptacle, a lid therefn,` f1 hinge `connecting the lid and receptacle and nomnelly urging the lid to closed position, the lid having projecting therefrom at the hinge thereof a lugend a combustible flexible element secured to the f'ee end of said lug and extending through an opening formed n the side wall of the receptaele and secured to the receptacle n spaced relation to the Wall theeol', said combustible flexible element het-Ween Said opening and the point of attachment With the endthereol' being directed through eyes secured to the bot-tom of the receptacle.

In testimony whereof l hereunto allx my signature.

VINCENT M. HAAS. 

